Elder Law

Celebrate National Nursing Home Week Next Week

By Levin & Perconti

May 9-15 has been declared National Nursing Home Week by the American Health Care Association. This is an important week because every year thousands of nursing home residents become victims of elderly abuse and neglect. This week is a good week to reflect on what everyone can do to better protect these vulnerable residents. The Chicago nursing home lawyers of Levin & Perconti have handled nursing home cases for over 25 years. We believe that it is essential for people to understand the exact meaning of nursing home abuse and neglect and what can be done if they suspect their loved one is a victim.

There are many signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. They not only affect an elderly resident?s physical well-being but their mental and emotional spirit as well. Some signs to watch for with nursing home neglect include:

- Falls
- Pressure ulcers
- Malnutrition and/or dehydration
- Over-medication
- Cuts, bruises or broken bones
- Poor hygiene
- An unclean environment and/or smells
- Weight loss
- Changes in demeanor
- Wandering or elopement
- Medication errors

Try talking to a long-term-care ombudsmen or voice your concerns to the Illinois Department of Public Health if you have noticed one of these signs in a loved one. If you or a loved one has fallen victim to nursing home abuse, please contact a Chicago nursing home lawyer. Taking legal action will not only compensate the victim, but it sends a harsh message that nursing home owners must be held accountable for the actions. This way they will improve the conditions and quality care for nursing home residents.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on May 05, 2010 (boomark / email).